Neighborhood Spotlight: Whittier

If you are thinking about moving to Minneapolis and looking for a place to live, the neighborhood called Whittier is a great option to consider.

Where is it Located?

Historic Whittier is located to the south of downtown Minneapolis, on the city's near south side. As one of the city's oldest neighborhoods, Whittier is also one of its most diverse. Ethnic markets, art galleries and charming historic buildings jostle for space as they nestle beside each other along the neighborhood's streets.

The History

First settled during the 1850s, the town was named for John Greenleaf Whittier. Early merchants built grand mansions within the area now known as the Washburn-Fair Oaks Mansion District. It is situated around the Minneapolis Institute of Art and Fair Oaks Park. Today, wealthy families still reside within those beautiful mansions as well as restored Victorian houses, many of which border Stevens Avenue.

Whittier is proud of its diversity and boasts a wider cross-section of ethnicities than Minneapolis. Within its perimeter, it is home to Vietnamese, Black, Hispanic, Somail, Chinese and Caribbean populations. About 40% of the residents are Caucasian.

This neighborhood has retained its arts roots for more than 150 years. Today, in addition to being the location of the Minneapolis Institute of Arts, Whittier is also home to the Jungle Theater, the Minneapolis College of Art and Design and the Children's Theater Company.

The Hennepin History Museum and the Washburn-Fair Oaks Mansion District provide a way to honor and display the neighborhood's storied history. Unique independent business, such as Moxie, an art gallery and hair salon, thrive in Whittier

Since the 1990s, the area from Grant Street to 29th Street has been dubbed “Eat Street” by the Whittier Association. Eat Street today contains ethnic dining options such as Middle Eastern, German, Asian fusion, Greek and more. It is the most popular destination for dining in the Twin Cities.